Chapter 119: Former Subordinates

Chapter 119: Former Subordinates

Second Sister-in-law's thoughts might have drifted, but that didn't mean everyone shared her perspective.

Firstly, the calm and composed Elder Madam Mo, who had spent most of her life as the family of a military general, had some understanding of the power of hidden weapons.

Observing her son's solemn demeanor while he spoke, she knew that this hidden weapon was extraordinary.

"Jiuye, don't worry. I'll keep a close eye on your sisters-in-law and Hanyue. I won't let them expose this weapon easily to others."

The eldest sister-in-law took the lead in expressing her stance. "We will all follow Mother and Ninth Brother, as well as Ninth Sister-in-law's arrangements."

The other sisters-in-law also whispered their commitment to keep the hidden weapon secure and prevent others from seeing it.

Time being of the essence, Mo Jiuya explained the usage and precautions of the mini pistol to the family. If anyone failed to understand, they were encouraged to seek clarification privately from those who had already grasped the instructions.

Each person received one mini pistol. After distribution, Peng Wang began preparations for their departure.

The day passed uneventfully, without any unforeseen incidents. Nevertheless, He Zhiran and Mo Jiuya remained on high alert. They had even decided not to rest in the space for the next few nights, in case any assassins appeared undetected within its confines. The group traveled peacefully for three days, and just before dusk, they finally arrived at a county where they could replenish their supplies. They checked into an inn. Surprisingly, apart from their own party, the inn seemed almost deserted. The innkeeper slumped lazily by the entrance, his arms folded. Peng Wang took the initiative to greet him. "Innkeeper Liu, I hope all is well?" The innkeeper's lethargy was palpable in his tone. "Magistrate Peng, had you arrived two days later, you might not have found a room in my inn."

Peng Wang also noticed the poor business at the inn and asked, "Shopkeeper Liu, what has happened?"

"Ai... Don't even mention it. Not long ago, a group of bandits appeared in our Xiangyang County. These people are rather peculiar; they never steal from ordinary folks but target wealthy households, even secretly helping those in poverty."

Peng Wang was puzzled. "Isn't that a good thing? How does it concern your inn?"

Shopkeeper Liu gave a wry smile.

"It indeed doesn't have much to do with my inn. However, the behavior of these bandits has frightened many out-of-town merchants, making them reluctant to conduct business in our Xiangyang County. As a result, the inns here have almost no customers."

It was the first time Peng Wang had heard of such bandits who robbed the rich to help the poor. He decided to inquire further.

"As Shopkeeper Liu mentioned, these bandits rob the rich to help the poor. They can't possibly steal from every wealthy family, right?"

"That's correct. Even among the wealthy, they specifically target those who are unscrupulous in their wealth," replied Shopkeeper Liu.

Peng Wang furrowed his brow. "If that's the case, why should the merchants be so worried?"

Shopkeeper Liu sighed once more.

Indeed, that was the logic of the matter. Yet, those bandits had been glorified by common folk to such an extent that anyone with a bit of silver would want to avoid them. As a result, the number of outsiders visiting Xiangyang County dwindled.

In response to this, Peng Wang could only treat it as gossip. After all, they, as law enforcers, were rather impoverished, and the criminals they dealt with didn't have any silver either. Thus, they had no worries about being robbed.

Moreover, it was said that those bandits targeted the wealthy to help the poor – a matter that had nothing to do with them.

Without delving deeper into the subject, Peng Wang asked Manager Liu for help in arranging guest rooms, allowing everyone to return to their respective quarters for rest.

As before, those unable to afford the room fees went to the back courtyard's woodshed...

He Zhiran and Mo Jiuya still chose a double room. While resting at night, Mo Jiuya suddenly sensed something amiss.

He dashed out of the room and leaped onto the roof.

He Zhiran followed him, but unfortunately, Mo Jiuya's speed was too swift. By the time she went outside, she couldn't see Mo Jiuya's figure and could only return to the room to wait.

Mo Jiuya chased the black shadows on the roof for a long distance until they left the residential area. It was then that the figures in black finally halted.

"Who are you?" Mo Jiuya asked in a stern voice.

The black-clad men, realizing they were being pursued, had initially planned to lead their pursuers into a more secluded area before making a move.

Upon recognizing the familiar voice, they promptly removed their veils and knelt before Mo Jiuya on one knee.

"Subordinate Liang Hao pays his respects to Duke Guo," said Liang Hao.

"Liang Hao, what are you doing here?" Mo Jiuya was clearly taken aback.

As he spoke, he strode forward and helped those kneeling back to their feet.

Liang Hao pointed at the people behind him. "Duke Guo, upon hearing that your entire household was expelled and sent into exile, we resigned from our official posts and waited here to meet you."

Mo Jiuya glanced at the individuals behind Liang Hao: Song Chao, Wang Dali, Xu Qingfeng, and Li Mingrui.

These were all talented military officers nurtured by his father and himself. After his return to the capital, they had stayed behind at the border to continue guarding it.

He hadn't expected such unwavering loyalty from these men; they had chosen to resign and follow him even in such dire circumstances.

Mo Jiuya was not in favor of their actions.

"You've struggled hard to reach your current positions, why put yourselves through this?

Moreover, with the entire Mo family exiled, there's no future in following me."

Liang Hao led the group to kneel once more, "For years, we have fought and bled alongside Duke Guo. No one knows better than us whether you have betrayed the nation; these accusations are pure nonsense. The imperial court has treated a loyal general like you unfairly, and we will not dedicate our lives to such a decadent ruler."

Their words were firm and resolute, revealing their dissatisfaction with the government.

Mo Jiuya understood that these men had already resigned their posts; anything he said now would be futile.

"So then, what plans do you have for the future?"

All five responded in unison, "Wherever Duke Guo is, that's where we'll be."

Mo Jiuya had no objections. These men had been orphans with no one to claim them since childhood, trained in the military by their fathers and elder brothers. They still had no ties or obligations, so they could go wherever life took them without worry.

"At present, my status is that of an exiled criminal of the court. I won't regain my freedom until I reach the northwest. It would be inconvenient for you to follow the exile convoy all the way, so let's meet in the northwest."

"No, we'll stick with Duke Guo all the way to ensure your safety and that of your family," Liang Hao countered.

The mention of his family's safety made Mo Jiuya hesitate.

Having Liang Hao and his men along could indeed be beneficial in times of danger.

"In that case, just trail the convoy from a distance without drawing suspicion," he instructed, pausing before adding, "Also, I am no longer Duke Guo. You'll need to address me differently from now on."

Liang Hao pondered for a moment. "What if we still call you Master Ninth, just like we used to?"

According to Mo Jiuya's new status, they were all now ordinary civilians without official titles, and these men were older than him. Calling him by his name would not be inappropriate. However, considering Liang Hao and his men's long-standing respect for the Mo family, Mo Jiuya suspected they would be reluctant to use his given name. Thus, he decided to let them have their way.

"Very well, let it be so!"